Rotary boring tool alignment and depth indication system

ABSTRACT

A device for assisting an operator of a boring instrument having a penetrating element for penetration a work surface that includes a retention member adapted to be connected to a rotating element of the boring instrument and adapted to receive a laser and a plurality of mirrors including a beam splitting alignment mirrors that directs a laser beam in a direction parallel with a penetrating element and perpendicular to a work surface, and a depth indication mirror that reflects a light beam at an angle of less than 90 degrees from said retaining member to a location on said work surface wherein the location of the beams from the alignment beams is maintained at a fixed radial position when the retention member perpendicularly moves towards a work surface and wherein the beam is rotated defines a circle.

The Applicant claims the benefit of priority of the filing date of U.S.Application No. 62/242,304 filed Oct. 16, 2015. The present invention isgenerally directed to rotary boring tool alignment and depth indicationsystems.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Background of the Invention

Both do it yourself workers and skilled craftsmen often experiencedifficulty in maintaining correct alignment of a rotary boring tool witha work surface—such as a workpiece being drilled by a hand-held powerdrill. For example, drill operators may also experience difficulty indetermining the depth of a rotary boring instrument as it penetrates asurface that is being worked by the tool. There is a continuing need foran apparatus that helps a user maintain the correct alignment of arotary boring tool with a work surface as well as to indicate the depthof the boring instrument or cutting tool as it penetrates the surface.The present invention and its associated specific embodiments discloseimprovements to U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,311, which is incorporated byreference herein, as well as new methods and implementations for arotary boring tool alignment and depth indication system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a rotary boring and depth indication systemthat includes a disk body and penetrating tool holder.

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depth indicationsystem.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a work surface depicting laser light patternsprojected on a work surface using the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2 as theembodiment is rotated.

FIG. 4 is bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a rotary boringand depth indication system wherein the angle of the laser beam can beadjusted.

FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depth indicationsystem of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the work surface depicting alternative laserlight patterns projected the work surface using the embodiment of FIGS.4 and 5 as the embodiment is rotated.

FIG. 7 is bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a rotary boringand depth indication system wherein the angle of the laser beam can beadjusted and an additional laser beam can be used as a marker on thedrill bit.

FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depth indicationsystem of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the work surface depicting alternative laserlight patterns projected the work surface using the embodiment of FIGS.7 and 8 as the embodiment is rotated.

FIG. 10 is bottom view of yet a further embodiment of a rotary boringand depth indication system using a single laser chuck wherein the angleof the laser beam can be adjusted.

FIG. 11 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depthindication system of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the work surface depicting alternative laserlight patterns projected the work surface using the embodiment of FIGS.10 and 11 as the embodiment is rotated.

FIG. 13 is bottom view of yet a further embodiment of a rotary boringsystem using a single laser chuck and a diffractive optical element.

FIG. 14 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depthindication system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the work surface depicting alternative laserlight patterns projected the work surface using the embodiment of FIGS.13 and 14 as the embodiment is rotated.

FIG. 16 is bottom view of yet a further embodiment of a rotary boringand depth indication system using a single laser chuck, a diffractiveoptical element, and a separate depth laser.

FIG. 17 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depthindication system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is bottom view of yet a further embodiment of a rotary boringand depth indication system with an adjustable beam splitter feature.

FIG. 19 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depthindication system of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is bottom view of a chuck collar and laser according to afurther embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view in elevation of the alignment and depthindication system of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a beam splitter.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a single laser disk with an adjustable angleby mirror and pivot.

FIG. 24 is a side view in elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This present invention is generally directed to rotary boring toolalignment and depth indication systems. In an embodiment of theinvention a rotary power tool alignment and depth indication system isprovided to improve both the functionality and usability of rotary powertools. The system and devices disclosed may be used on a variety ofrotating power tools and includes, but is not limited to hand-held powerdrills of all sorts, stationary drill presses, smaller rotary tools, aswell as larger boring devices such as earth boring machinery. The systemcan also be used in connection with other types of rotating machinerysuch as milling machines, machine tools, and lathes. For purposes ofsimplicity, the embodiments described below are provided in the contextof hand-held power drills. However, the advantages provided by theinvention are equally applicable to many types of rotary power tools.These advantages include, but are not limited to both visual worksurface alignment and visual drill bit or cutting tool depth indication.With regard to the proper work surface alignment feature, the systemallows a power drill user to quickly visualize if the drill isperpendicularly aligned with a work surface. The system can be usedregardless of the relative orientation of the work surface. Properhorizontal and vertical alignment will provide for a borehole that iscompletely perpendicular to the work surface. Because the system doesnot depend on gravity, the orientation of the work surface isinconsequential. In addition, the system of the invention does notrequire sensors or computing, so it is both simple and low cost.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a laser 101 used with the system produces twoor more essentially annular ring visible projections on a work surfacethat provide a visual indication of drill alignment or misdirection. Ifthe drill bit is aligned perpendicular to the work surface the ringswill be circular rings. If the drill bit is offset, the rings will beoval or elliptical. These laser projections are created by the rotationof the laser in conjunction with the rotating portion of the powerdrill. Laser 101 is mounted on disk body 105 and powered by batteries121. In various embodiments the batteries are located on the disk inlocations to balance the weight of the elements of the disk. Theembodiment of FIG. 1 includes three beam splitter mirrors 1110, 1112,1114 and mirror 1116. Mirrors 1110, 1112 and 1114 reflect part of thelaser beam at 90 degree angles from the disk body downward toward worksurface 301. The light beams are parallel with the boring element 117.Mirror 1116 reflects the beam downward at an angle that is approximately45 degrees with respect to the disk body 105 and work surface 301. Asthe boring element 117 penetrates the work surface 301, the disk body105 moves toward the work surface and the distance between the lowersurface of the disk body 105 and top surface of the work surface 301decreases and the projection on the work surface caused by thereflection of the laser beam on mirror 1116 moves toward the boringelement 117 and the central axis. The system as described provides theuser a visual indication and continuous feedback of the respectivedrilling as it progresses into a work surface with respect to bothvertical alignment and the penetrating depth.

By comparing the relative location or distance between the image that isprojected from mirror 1116 with the other image projections from mirrors1110, 1112 and 1114, the user can determine the respective depth thatthe drill bit has reached within the work surface.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a first light projection 302, second lightprojections 305, third projection 307 and fourth projection 308 produceconcentric light circular patterns on the work surface 301 when thepower drill is being held at a perpendicular angle with respect to thework surface 301. Conversely, when the power drill is misaligned withthe work surface 301, the first light projection 302 will becomenon-concentric with regards to the second light projection 305 (andprojections 307 and 308). Further, the first light projection 302 willbecome increasing elliptical as misalignment increases. The combinationof these factors makes it easy for a power drill user (i.e., power drilloperator) to visualize and quickly correct for any drill misalignment.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the circumference of the outerannular ring 302 will decrease as the disk moves toward the work surface301. The remaining image projections will remain at the samecircumference as the disk approaches the work surface. In embodiments,the disk body is made of a transparent material so that the user caninspect the work surface through the disk. In an alternative embodiment,the disk body may have one or more open slots or sections that alsoallow the user to inspect the work surface through the disk. In thelatter case, the disk body material does not need to be transparent.

The embodiments pictured in FIGS. 4, 7, 10, and 23 all employ the use ofan angled mirror on an adjustable pivot. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5,a pivot 423 provided on disk 450 optionally allows the angle 415 betweenthe perpendicular beams 501, 502 and 503 and the angled beam 506 to bereconfigured from a standard 45 degrees to an alternative angle. If theangle is reduced, the distance between the first light projection 503and the second light is reduced thus allowing longer drill bits to beaccommodated. Further, the power drill operator may wish to move theassociated laser beam's pattern created by beams 501 502 and 503 on thework surface 30 closer to one of the associated laser beam patterns 506on the work surface 500. Such angular adjustments are accomplished priorto the commencement of drilling operations.

FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a bottom view and side view, respectively ofdrill bit chuck 1300 with integrated rotary boring and depth indicationfunctionality based on a Diffractive Lens or Diffractive Optical Element(collectively “DOE”) 624 instead of a combination of beam splitters andmirrors. The DOE 1324 is controlled by mechanical adjustment member 1326which controls the angle of the projected beam from laser 1302.

In general, with regards to drill bit or cutting tool depth indication,embodiments of the invention optionally provides a power drill user withthe ability to quickly visualize the depth of a drill bit as it boresinto a work surface. This feature is advantageous because the powerdrill user may need to limit or monitor the depth of their drillingoperations. The depth indication feature may be used in combination withother features, such as work surface alignment.

In several embodiments depth indication is accomplished by watching afirst light projection such as projection 302, projected from the angledmirror be reduced in diameter with reference to the second lightprojection (or projections) 305 as the drill is pressed into the worksurface 30.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7, 16 and 20, a separate depthlaser is provided. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, laser 708 can beadjusted via pivot 710 to provide a depth target. Adjustable pivot 710allows the laser beam 715 to point directly at a specific spot on thedrill bit 707. This provides the drill operator with the ability to“mark” a target depth on the drill bit 707 that he wishes to eventuallyobtain. This adjustment is done prior to the commencement of drillingoperations. During drilling operations, the rotational motion of thedrill creates the illusion of a complete circle around the bit at themarked point thus making it easy for the operator to see the depth markfrom any vantage point around the drill.

In yet another embodiment as depicted in FIG. 23, beam 259 originatesfrom a separate laser 250 is directed towards first mirror 252 that canbe can be adjusted via pivot 253 to provide a depth target on drill bit277. Adjustable pivot 253 allows the laser beam 259 to point directly ata specific spot on drill bit 277. This embodiment also provides thedrill operator with the ability to “mark” a target depth on the drillbit 277 that he or she wishes to eventually obtain using a methodsimilar to that discussed with respect to FIGS. 7, 16, and 20 but withan adjustable mirror.

It should be understood that the features discussed in each individualembodiment can be used singularly in that embodiment or in combinationwith each other in that embodiment. Further, one or more features fromeach individual embodiment can also be applied to or included in otherindividual embodiments. For example, a Diffractive Lens or DiffractiveOptical Element (collectively “DOE”) 624 as depicted in FIG. 13 may beemployed in an embodiment that contains a disk body or a separate depthlaser.

Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a side and top view of a rotaryboring and depth indication system that includes a disk as a body 105with a cutting tool holder 120 is shown. In the depicted embodimentthere is a single laser 101 powered by batteries 121 that can be usedwith one or more beam splitter mirrors 1110, 1112 and 1114 and one ordepth indication mirrors 1116. The laser and optics are offset from thecenter of the disk body 105. As seen in FIG. 2, this particularembodiment results in three perpendicular laser beams 305, 307 and 308and a single angled laser beam 302 that is positioned at 45 degrees withreference to laser beams 305 307 and 308. FIG. 3 depicts the laserpatterns produced on a work surface 301 from the version depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 when it is rotating on the power drill. In one embodiment,the cutting tool holder 120 is a quick change drill bit connector asknown in the art. In another embodiment, the cutting tool holder 120 isa drill bit chuck. In other related embodiments, the device can usenumerous beam splitters mirrors that can create a plurality of ringimages on a work surface from a single laser. In yet further embodimentsthe radial location of the mirrors can be altered. The embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2 are advantageous because they only require a single laserto produce more than two beams, and use of a single laser can reduceboth the cost of the embodiment and the overall power required tooperate the embodiment. This embodiment and/or set of embodiments can bemounted into the existing chuck of a power drill, or serve as a chuckreplacement.

Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 an alternative embodiment is disclosedwhere the angle 415 of laser beam 506 can also be optionally adjustedvia an adjustable pivot 423 on mirror 404. Like the embodiment of FIG. 1the member includes three beam splitting mirrors 444, 445 and 446 thatproject laser light beams 501, 502 and 503 toward work surface 500.Pivot 423 allows the angle 415 between the perpendicular beams 501, 502and 503 and angled beam 506 to be configured from the standard 45degrees to an alternative angle. If the angle is reduced, longer drillbits can be accommodated. Further, the tool operator may wish to movethe associated laser beam's pattern at the initiation of the operation.For example, the location of outer image 605 created by beam 506 can beadjusted with respect to the patterns 610, 611 and 612 on the worksurface. FIG. 4 also demonstrates the beam splitter mirrors 444, 445 and446 on one side of the disk and the depth indication mirror 404 on theother. In embodiments, the location of the both the beam splitters anddepth indication mirror can be adjusted. FIG. 6 depicts the laserpatterns produced on a work surface 500 from the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5 as is rotating on the power drill. The image includesannular pattern 605 from beam 501, pattern 610 from beam 506, annularimage 611 from beam 502 and image 612 from beam 503. This device can bemounted into the existing chuck of a power drill, or serve as a chuckreplacement.

In another aspect of the invention referred to as a multi-disk system, asystem of interchangeable disks, shafts and cutting tool holders areprovided that allow the power drill user to customize a Rotary Boringand Depth Indication device for a specific purpose. In a furtherembodiment, a single shaft with a built-in Quick Change Connector orstandard chuck can be used with multiple disks of different diametersand configurations.

In the multi-disk system, each disk can have different beam splitter andmirror configurations including numbers and positions. For example, onedisk in the system may have the beam splitters and/or mirrors separatedin one inch increments, while another may be in centimeters. Further,the number of the beam splitters and/or mirrors may be different in eachdisk. The multi disk system described herein may also have disks ofdifferent diameters, with smaller disks for shorter drill bits andlarger disks for larger drill bits. Disks in the system may also comewith different configurations, diameters and features including but notlimited to those depicted in FIG. 1, 7, 18 or 23. In another embodiment,different types of shafts may also operate with multi-disk system. Eachshaft will be able to accept any of the disks in the system, but theshaft itself could be different. For example, the portion of the shaftthat is secured into to a power drill's chuck may come in differentdiameters to support a wide variety of large and small chucks.Additionally, the shaft could be designed for specific type of drill,such as a drill that requires threaded drill bits (like a right anglepneumatic drill). In another embodiment, different cutting tool holdersmay also operate with multi-disk system. For example, shafts may beoffered with different cutting tool holders such as the Quick ChangeDrill Bit Connector or a traditional drill bit chuck. These embodimentsare advantageous because they allow the power drill user to maintain aset of interchangeable disks and shafts that allow them to customize aRotary Boring and Depth Indication device for a specific purpose or typeof operation. This embodiment and/or set of embodiments can be mountedinto the existing chuck of a power drill, or serve as a chuckreplacement.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a single laser disk with depth laser beam withand adjustable angle is shown. The embodiment of FIG. 7 includes twosignificant additions that can be included in combination with eachother or separately. First, it includes two lasers 702 and 708. Whilelaser 702 and its associated beam splitting mirrors operate insubstantially the same manner as those described with respect to FIG. 1,second laser 708 is provided. Second laser 708 can be adjusted via pivot710 to provide a beam that can serve to provide indication relating to adepth target. As seen in FIG. 8, the adjustable pivot allows the laserbeam 715 from laser 708 to be pointed directly at a specific spot on thepenetrating drill bit 707. The adjustable pivot 710 can be locked intoplace thus preventing movement during drilling operations. This providesthe drill operator with the ability to “mark” a target depth on thedrill bit 707 that he or she wishes to eventually obtain. This operationis done prior to the commencement of drilling operations. Duringdrilling operations, the rotational motion of the drill creates theillusion of a complete circle around the bit at the marked point thusmaking it easy for the operator to see the depth mark from any vantagepoint around the drill.

A further embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24. In this embodimentthe beam 259 from laser 250 is directed towards mirror 252 that can becan be adjusted via pivot 253 to provide a depth target on drill bit277. Adjustable pivot 253 allows the laser beam 259 to point directly ata specific spot on drill bit 277 selected by the operator. Adjustablepivot 253 can be locked into place thus preventing movement duringboring operations. This embodiment provides the drill operator with theability to “mark” a target depth on the drill bit 277 that he wishes toeventually obtain. Evenly spaced gradient lines 211, 212 and 213provided on the drill bit 277 further enhance this “laser depth beamfeature” by providing the power drill user with one or more visiblelines that can be used to setup the laser depth beam prior to drillingoperations. These gradient lines can be painted on to drill bit, etchedor machined into the drill bit, or created through some other processknown in the art. The drill bit 277 gradient line spacing can be anymajor, minor, or combination of increments, including but not limited toinches as a major division and/or sub-inch minor divisions (such asquarters of an inch), centimeters as a major division and/or millimetersas a minor division, etc. The angle 290 of laser beam 250 can also beoptionally adjusted via an adjustable pivot 253 associated with mirror252. Pivot 253 allows the angle 290 between the disk surface and thebeam 259 to be configured from the standard 45 degrees to an alternativeangle. If the angle is made larger, longer drill bits can beaccommodated. FIG. 9, depicts exemplary laser patterns produced on awork surface 930 from the embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 7 or 23when it is rotating on the power drill. This embodiment and/or set ofembodiments are advantageous because drill bit depth can be obtainedduring drilling operations with much greater certainty as the bit itselfcontains a depth marker that is highlighted by a beam during drillingoperations. Further, since the angle of laser beam can also beoptionally adjusted to less than 45 degrees, longer drill bits can beaccommodated. These embodiments can be mounted into the existing chuckof a power drill, or serve as a chuck replacement.

Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an embodiment having a single laserchuck with adjustable angle is disclosed. FIG. 10 depicts a bottom viewof a drill bit chuck 1010 with integrated rotary boring and depthindication functionality. The chuck 1010 includes single laser 1012,beam splitter 1013, mirror 1014 on adjustable pivot 1016, and one ormore batteries 1021 to power the laser. The pivot 1016 optionally allowsthe angle 1015 between the perpendicular beam 1008 and the angled beam1006 to be adjusted from a standard 45 degrees to an alternative angle.If the angle is reduced, longer drill bits can be accommodated. Further,the power drill operator may wish to move the associated laser beam'spattern on the work surface closer to one of the associated laser beampatterns on the work surface. Such angular adjustments are accomplishedprior to the commencement of drilling operations. FIG. 12 depicts anexemplary laser pattern produced on work surface 1030 from theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. with the depth beam 1036 at 45degrees with reference to orientation beam 1035 when it is rotating onthe power drill. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows forthe replacement of an existing drill chuck, or can be integrated by adrill manufacturer as a standard part of the drill. This embodiment usesa single laser to produce multiple beams, which can reduce both the costof the embodiment and the overall power required to operate theembodiment. Further, the embodiment allows the angle 1015 between theperpendicular beam 1008 and the angled beam 1006 to be reconfigured fromthe standard 45 degrees to an alternative angle. If the angle isreduced, longer drill bits can be accommodated This embodiment can bemounted into the existing chuck of a power drill or serve as a chuckreplacement. It can also be used as the cutting tool holder on one ofthe disk embodiments referenced herein.

Now referring to FIG. 13 a bottom view of a drill bit chuck withintegrated rotary boring and depth indication functionality based on aDiffractive Lens or Diffractive Optical Element (collectively “DOE”)1324 instead of a combination of beam splitters and mirrors. FIG. 14 isa side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 shown in connection with a worksurface. This embodiment includes a drill bit chuck 1300, a single laser1302, a DOE 1324, an adjustable pivot 1326 for the DOE, and one or morebatteries 1321 to power the laser. The DOE modifies the beam to form a45-degree fan angle between the beams 1305 and 1306. Edge beam 1305projected on the work surface 20 is also angled at 90 degrees when thechuck 1300 and its associated drill bit 1307 are perpendicularly alignedwith the work surface 1320. The pivot 1326 on the DOE 1324 allows theedge 1305 to be aligned or calibrated to be parallel to the drill bit1307. This can take place one time during manufacturing, or optionallybe accomplished in the field by the user. It is also possible for theangle of the pivot 1326 to be altered for other purposes besidesalignment or calibration. Such angular adjustments would be accomplishedprior to the commencement of drilling operations. FIG. 15 depicts theimage on the work surface 1330 from the version depicted in FIGS. 13 and14 when it is rotating on the power drill at high speed wherein edgebeam 1306 defines outer edge 1390 and beam 1305 defines edge 1392. Thearea between the edges is illuminated by the fan beam. This embodimentproduces a visible edge 1325 or line on the work surface 1320 and as theline is rotated creates an annulus shaped illuminated pattern (a “diskwith hole” pattern) as illustrated by reference number 1350 whenrotation occurs. In another embodiment, the DOE may be a simple LaserLine Lens that modifies the beam to form a specific fan angle betweenthe edges 1305 and 1306. In another embodiment, the DOE may be adiffractive lens that modifies the beam to form a specific fan anglebetween the edges 1305 and 1306 of the light beam. In anotherembodiment, the DOE may be a Diffractive Optical Element that modifiesthe beam to form a specific fan angle between the edges 1305 and 1306.In another embodiment the DOE may provide greater brightness of edge1305 and/or edge 1306 thus resulting in distinct or brighter patternsagainst the work surface 1230. In another embodiment, the DOE mayprovide greater brightness of edge 1305 and/or edge 1306 along withother points along the visible line or edge 1325 thus resulting indistinct or brighter patterns against the work surface 1320. In anotherembodiment, the DOE may modify the laser 1302 beam to form an anglebetween the edges 1305 and 1306 that is greater than or less than 45degrees. For example, if the angle is reduced, longer drill bits can beaccommodated. Other embodiments may also include DOEs that producedifferent beam projections (and thus different patterns on the worksurface during rotation). The variations on these DOE beam projectionscan be anything known in the art. This embodiment and/or set ofembodiments are advantageous because they can replace an existing drillchuck, or simply be integrated by a drill manufacturer as a standardpart of the drill. Further, it eliminates the beam splitters and mirrorsand replaces them with a single DOE optic and a single laser. Thisembodiment therefore provides for a potential reduction in size, weight,and cost. This embodiment can be mounted into the existing chuck of apower drill or serve as a chuck replacement. It can also be used as thecutting tool holder on one of the disk embodiments referenced herein.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict an embodiment of a chuck with integrated rotaryboring and depth indication functionality similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 10 and 11 and which further incorporates a second depth laser beamfeature. The chuck 1601 includes a first laser 1602, a beam splitter1603, mirror 1604 on adjustable pivot 1623, and one or more batteries1621 to power the laser. The pivot 1623 allows the angle 1615 betweenthe perpendicular beam 1605 and the angled beam 1606 to be configuredfrom the standard 45 degrees to an alternative angle. Such angularadjustments are accomplished prior to the commencement of drillingoperations. The embodiment introduces a second laser 1608 that can beadjusted via pivot 1610 to provide a depth target. This adjustable pivotallows the laser beam 1609 to point directly at a specific spot on thedrill bit 1607. The adjustable pivot 1610 can be locked into place thuspreventing movement during drilling operations. This provides the drilloperator with the ability to “mark” a target depth on the drill bit 1607that he wishes to eventually obtain. This marking step is done prior tothe commencement of drilling operations. During drilling operations, therotational motion of the drill creates the illusion of a complete circlearound the bit at the marked point thus making it easy for the operatorto see the depth mark from any vantage point around the drill. In afurther embodiment similar (not shown in FIG. 17) functionality can beoffered via a mirror with an adjustable pivot. In this embodiment a beamfrom a second laser is directed towards a mirror that can be can beadjusted via pivot to provide a depth target on the drill bit. Thisadjustable pivot allows the laser beam to point directly at a specificspot on the drill bit. The adjustable pivot can be locked into placethus preventing movement during drilling operations. This alternativeembodiment provides the drill operator with the ability to “mark” atarget depth on a drill bit that he wishes to eventually obtain.

Referring back to FIG. 17, evenly spaced gradient lines 1612, 1615 and1616 on the drill bit 1607 further enhance this “laser depth beamfeature” by providing the power drill user with one or more visiblelines that can be used to setup the laser depth beam prior to drillingoperations. These gradient lines can be painted on to drill bit, etchedor machined into the drill bit, or created through some other processknown in the art. The drill bit 1607 gradient line spacing can be anymajor, minor, or combination of increments, including but not limited toinches as a major division and/or sub-inch minor divisions (such asquarters of an inch), centimeters as a major division and/or millimetersas a minor division, etc. FIG. 12 depicts an example of the laserpatterns produced on a work surface from the version depicted in FIGS.16 and 17 with the angle of depth beam at 45 degrees with reference tothe orientation beam when it is rotating on the power drill. Thisembodiment and/or set of embodiments are advantageous because they canreplace an existing drill chuck, or simply be integrated by a drillmanufacturer as a standard part of the drill. This embodiment and/or setof embodiments is also advantageous because drill bit depth can beobtained during drilling operations with much greater certainty as thebit itself contains a depth marker that is highlighted by the laserduring drilling operations. Additionally, since the angle of laser beamcan also be optionally adjusted to less than 45 degrees, longer drillbits can be accommodated. This embodiment and/or set of embodiments canbe mounted into the existing chuck of a power drill or serve as a chuckreplacement. It can also be used as the cutting tool holder on one ofthe disk embodiments referenced herein.

FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment, similar to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 however the positions of the beam splitters and mirror(s) can bechanged prior to the commencement of drilling operations along track1724. An embodiment of this version also includes markings or gradients1725 on the body 1720 that can be used to guide and position the beamsplitters 1703 a, 1703 b and 1703 c and mirror 1704. This feature allowsthe user to configure the version in FIG. 18 for a wide variety of drillbit lengths, measuring systems, and purposes. For example, the gradient1725 spacing can be any major, minor, or combination of increments,including but not limited to inches as a major division and/or sub-inchminor divisions (such as quarters of an inch), centimeters as a majordivision and/or millimeters as a minor division, etc. This embodimentand/or set of embodiments are advantageous because a single body cansupport a wide variety of beam splitter and mirror configurations. Thiscreates a single rotary boring and depth indication system that can beused for many different drilling purposes. This embodiment and/or set ofembodiments are also advantageous because they only require a singlelaser (or single laser module) to produce more than two beams, and asingle laser can reduce both the cost of the embodiment and the overallpower required to operate the embodiment. In another embodiment, anentire section that contains the beam splitters 1703 a-c and mirror 1704would operate as a separate module that can be easily removed andreplaced prior to drilling operations. This module concept would allowfor a wide variety of configurations that work with a single disk body1720. For example, modules could be created with: 1) Different numbersof alignment beam splitters and depth indication mirrors, 2) Adjustableor fixed positioning of the beam splitters and/or mirrors, and 3)Modules for the English or metric unit measurement systems, etc. Theseembodiments are advantageous because a single body can work with a widevariety of modules that can be easily removed and replaced prior todrilling operations. This embodiment therefore creates a single rotaryboring and depth indication system that can be used for many differentdrilling purposes. This embodiment can be mounted into the existingchuck of a power drill, or serve as a chuck replacement.

Now referring to FIG. 20 a chuck attachment 2031 that incorporates oneor more of the Rotary Boring and Depth Indication System alignmentand/or depth features and also attaches to an existing drill chuck 2000on a power drill. These features may include, but are not limited to,the features depicted in the embodiments of FIGS. 10, 13, and 16. In oneembodiment, the chuck attachment 2031 is a fixed-size sleeve or collarthat securely fits over an existing drill chuck 2000. In anotherembodiment, the chuck attachment is an adjustable-size sleeve or collarthat can be securely fit around a variety of existing drill chucks thatmaintain different diameters and/or shapes. This embodiment and/or setof embodiments are advantageous because they work with an existing drillchuck, and do not require the use of a supplemental cutting tool holder(like a Quick Change Connector) or a shaft to connect with the drill.

A further embodiment is directed to a single laser disk with chuck. Thisversion is depicted in FIGS. 1, 7 and 18 and further incorporates aconventional drill chuck (as a cutting tool holder) and a disk. Thefeatures in this version may include, but are not limited to thefeatures depicted in the specific embodiments recited. In a furtherembodiment, the entire assembly (including the disk with chuck) canreplace an existing drill chuck, or simply be integrated by a drillmanufacturer as a standard part of the drill. In other contemplatedembodiments a quick change connector is employed. In another embodiment,the chuck may contain a shaft that allows the entire assembly to beattached to an existing drill chuck. Other embodiments can havedifferent beam splitter and mirror configurations (numbers andpositions). For example, one disk in the set may have the beam splittersand/or mirrors separated in one inch increments, while another may be incentimeters. Further, the number of the beam splitters and/or mirrorsmay be different in each disk. Other embodiments may also have disks ofdifferent diameters, with smaller disks for shorter drill bits andlarger disks for larger drill bits. Other embodiments may also come withdifferent sets of lasers and features including but not limited to thosedepicted herein. This embodiment and/or set of embodiments can bemounted into the existing chuck of a power drill, or serve as a chuckreplacement.

In any of the embodiments that contain beam splitters, different beamdivision characteristics can be employed. Many common commercial beamsplitters divide a light beam based on a 50%-50% division, but otherdivisions may be utilized. For example, in embodiments the beam from alaser must pass through several beam splitters before the depthindication mirror is reached. In such a case the beam splitters mayemployee a division other than 50% so as to pass a greater percentage ofthe beam onto the next splitter and ultimately onto the depth indicationmirror. Further, the division of the beam may be based on anything knownin the art, such as brightness, intensity, polarization, wavelength,etc. FIG. 22 presents an example where beam splitters use an 80%-20%division. In this example, the beam split percentage allows 80% of thebeam entering a beam splitter to pass through, and then reflects theremaining 20% as a beam from split mirrors 2202, 2204 and 2206respectively. In one embodiment, the beam splitters may maintain a50%-50% division. In another embodiment, the division may be an 80%-20%division, or some other such division known in the art. Further, inanother embodiment, the division may be staggered across a series ofbeam splitters with one or more beam splitters using differentdivisions.

I claim:
 1. A device for assisting an operator of a boring instrumenthaving a penetrating element for penetration a work surface comprising;a retention member, said retention member adapted to be connected to arotating element of a boring instrument having a cutting element saidretention member adapted to receive a laser and a plurality of mirrors,wherein at least one of said mirrors is a beam splitting mirrors andsaid beam splitting mirror comprises an alignment mirror that isoriented to direct a laser beam in a direction parallel with saidpenetrating element and perpendicular to a work surface, and at leastone mirror comprises a depth indication mirror, and said depthindication mirror reflects a light beam at an angle of 90 degrees orless from said retention member to a location on said work surfacewherein the location of the impingement of said beams from saidalignment beams is maintained at a fixed radial position when saidretention member perpendicularly moves towards a work surface andwherein as the retention member is rotated, the beam from said alignmentmirror defines a circle when said laser rotates in a plane that isparallel with said work surface and the impingement location from saidbeam from said depth indication will change as the retention membermoves in a perpendicular direction towards a work surface.
 2. The deviceof claim 1 wherein said beam splitting mirror are in a fixed position onsaid retention member.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein depth indicationmirror further comprises a pivot and said the angle of the beam fromsaid depth indication mirror is adjustable.
 4. The device of claim 1wherein said retention member comprises a disk.
 5. The device of claim 1further comprising means to provide a further laser light beam, whereinsaid further laser light beam is adapted to impinge on said penetratingelement.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein said further beam originatesfrom a second laser provided on said retention member.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said penetrating element has gradient markings along itslength.
 8. A penetrating tool said tool comprising a motor, apenetrating element mounted for rotational movement and powered by saidmotor, a laser, said laser mounted for rotational movement also poweredby said motor, a beam splitting mirror and a conventional mirror,wherein said beam splitting mirror directs a beam from said laser toform a second beam and a third beam, wherein said second beam isoriented parallel with said penetrating element and said third secondbeam is directed by said conventional mirror towards a work surface atan angle, wherein as said penetrating element moves perpendicular to awork surface, the image from said second beam projected on a worksurface will remain at the same radial position and wherein as theretaining member is rotated, the beam from said alignment mirror definesa circle when said laser rotates in a plane that is parallel with saidwork surface and an image from said third beam will appear to move in aradial direction toward the axis of said penetrating element.
 9. Thedevice of claim 8 further comprising a further laser beam, said furtherlaser beam directed at a location on said penetrating element.
 10. Thedevice of claim 8 wherein said penetrating element has gradient markingsalong its length.
 11. A device for monitoring the alignment and depth ofa penetrating element on a rotary tool, said device comprising, a firstlaser, a diffraction lens wherein a laser beam from said laser exitssaid diffraction lens and is shaped to a fan profile, wherein saidprofile has a first edge directed to a work surface that issubstantially parallel with a penetrating element and a second edge thatis projected at an angle with respect to said first edge.
 12. The deviceas recited in claim 11 wherein said lens is provided with a manual anadjustment element that allows the operator to adjust said angle. 13.The device of claim 12 further comprising a further laser beam, saidfurther laser beam directed at a location on said penetrating element.14. The device of claim 13 wherein said penetrating element has gradientmarkings along its length.
 15. A device for assisting an operator tomeasure the depth of penetration of a penetrating element of a rotatingpenetrating tool comprising a laser, said laser adapted to be mounted topenetrating tool to project a beam on said penetrating element.
 16. Thedevice as recited in claim 15 wherein said laser is received on anadjustable mount, wherein the angle of said beam may be adjusted toimpinge on the surface of said penetrating element at differentlocations along its length.
 17. The device as recited in claim 15wherein said laser is a mounted on a retention member and said retentionmember is adapted for attachment to said rotating penetrating tool toallow for rotation.